Varick Street was a sea of green Saturday afternoon as thousands carried cups overflowing with their selective beers for St. Patrick’s Day.

Bars opened as early as 8 a.m. for those bold enough to start the Irish festivities as the sun rose over the horizon, while Genesee Street garnered the traditional parade.

“I never go out to the bars, but this is the one day I do,” Herkimer resident Bruce Nadeau said while waiting in line at Nail Creek. “It’s tradition really.”

Despite the option of staying home with a six-pack, many residents flooded Varick Street waiting in lines for beer and Jameson shots for the sheer camaraderie of the day.

“Everybody is unified by wearing green,” Whitesboro resident Mary Bello said at Nail Creek, adding that she was in line at 7:30 a.m. to try the new nitro-stout exclusive for the holiday. “It had a robust flavor, yet it wasn’t too overwhelming.”

Bars across the block featured food, drinks and music with a flare of the Irish lands.

Nail Creek bartender Mike McNamara said the establishment released the nitro-stout for the first time Saturday, allowing the first 75 people who purchased the beer a free annual shirt.

Bello said she was one of the select few to receive the shirt, than quickly headed off to the parade on Genesee Street, only to arrive back at the same bar.

“They have the friendliest staff, amazing owners and a variety of beer that’s phenomenal,” she said.

Across the street, Celtic Harp harbored a line of people waiting to be granted access into the bar, where a live band and kegs and eggs were featured, Assistant Manager Drew Farley said.

“We’re the featured Irish bar on Varick Street and in the city,” he said. “Hopefully with great weather we can utilize that to the fullest and have a great, successful day.”

Newport resident Mark Minasi, dressed like a leprechaun complete with a bright orange beard, said it was his first time enjoying Varick Street’s St. Patrick’s Day festivities.